So, the bosslady and I spend almost every night around the table playing games and talking…haven’t had a tv in our home since ‘bout 2010.

In addition to cribbage, dominoes, puzzles, and Trivial Pursuit (the OG), we absolutely love Phase 10 and Rummikub. Highly recommend these two for a couple who enjoy playing and the interaction that allows continuous dialogue, but are not seeking a competitive environment!

We were gifted Phase 10 by my new wardroom reporting overseas into Quarantine back during COVID (thanks guys)— ironically, didn’t break it out for almost 5 years, and now we play it many times a week to great enjoyment. It is a card based game that is “won” through laying down identified series of runs and sets — lots of fun without any thought or strategy.

Earlier this year, we purchased Rummikub and although never having heard of it previously — but apparently been around forever — we can’t believe how much fun this game is for two people. It is a tile based game with origins in the more classic card game of Rummy. While not necessarily competitive, makes you think on multiple levels/dimensions.

So, for any of you other GET OFF MY LAWN types that enjoy putting the clicker down, turning off the tube, and interacting with your spouse or family, a couple of questions:

(1) Do you have Game Night — In today’s environment where I see people texting while on a dinner date, is that even a thing with families. For us, it was a huge part of both our growing up — that we love continuing in retirement.

(2) Do you have any good recommendations for two person games?

ETA: We don’t keep score as we play together and not against each other. We don’t want anyone to throw down their tennis racket…In Trivial Pursuit we have modified the “rules” to give each other related but not obvious hints which actually makes it 1000 X more fun for two people!

Godspeed and Good Hunting, Always

Phase 10 & Skip Bo are our go-to dinnertime card games, when our kids are in the mood.

Uno, on occasion.

Clue if we're going to be at the table a bit longer.

Racko is one my wife enjoys

This is a tough one for me as I'm not married and my group of buddies, we try to get together in person or online (depending on travels) once a week. We trade beers and food and shoot the bull.

So I'm trying to imagine 2-player games for a couple. Some of my games are 2-player only or will play well w/ only two.
Not all the themes may be to your lady's liking but this is what I like.

Welcome To...

7 Wonders Duel

Pandemic

Dominion

Star Realms

Sushi Go!

And I hear good things about Lost Cities.
Lost Cities

I have more but they may not go over well for everyone and complexity starts to go up.

We stopped playing phase 10 and started playing phase 10 twist.

we also play the following games:
don't mess with the cthulu
avalon
crew
resistance
secret hitler
splendor
werewolf
and quite a few others in our rotation, but those are the main ones.

also a local game place does once a month blood on the clock tower

5 Crowns is a fun card game that the two of us play frequently.

Similar to a Phase 10, but there are 5 suits and the objective is to get runs and sets. The first deal is 3 cards and all 3's are wild, then 4 cards and the 4's are wild...all the way to 13 cards where Kings are wild. Point based game where you get stuck with points when other player goes out.

The Simpsons Game

Backgammon

Sorry, skip bo and uno

We’re on our 3rd “Five Crowns” deck, love it.
We also play “Skyjo” and recently added “Phase 10” to the mix.

There is a monthly “Game Night” at church and we also get together with another couple we’ve known for years for dinner and cards about once a month.

Hard to beat pinochle. Of course, you need four people for that. Cribbage is good for two.